Afghanistan is experiencing a cold winter compare to the previous years, making the orphan children vulnerable to cold weather condition. The increase of economic pressures, rising unemployment rate and increased poverty level are the main reasons that differentiate this winter compare to past. Most of the people are unable to provide essential heating materials for the season.

According to a report shared by IFRC, winter temperatures in Afghanistan can plummet as low as -33 degrees Celsius. The Afghan population is grappling with economic pressures, hindering their ability to afford sufficient heating during the winter. Therefore, many families are forced to endure cold living conditions without proper heating, making children and women particularly vulnerable. The escalating prices of essential goods and a high unemployment rate contribute significantly to the economic challenges faced by the Afghan population.

In addition, winter exacerbates living conditions, posing severe and even life-threatening challenges for millions of people, especially children, living in difficult economic circumstances in Afghanistan. Children in families without a breadwinner, lacking proper clothing, are compelled to endure the harsh cold weather daily while working on the streets. Their economic conditions force them to tolerate the cold in order to provide for their families.

The freezing weather and lack of facilities have put the lives of Afghan working children at risk, as they endure terrible living conditions. Climate change and the widespread prevalence of poverty have created appalling circumstances for children in Afghanistan, depriving them of access to health and education. Millions of children urgently require assistance to survive the winter, and your support through HBT can make a profound difference in their lives, shielding them from the impending harsh winter

The challenges Afghan children will confront during winter in Afghanistan are numerous, including a lack of warm clothing, limited access to heating facilities, inadequate shelter, and various health risks. According to the ICCT Winter Prioritization report for Afghanistan by UNOCHA, a staggering 79% of households in the country lack adequate access to heating and require repairs for their shelters. The approaching winter further exacerbates the situation, making life even more challenging for children in Afghanistan.

Abdul Samad, a resident of Kabul City, voices the struggles faced by many families: ‘With the onset of winter, I haven’t been able to purchase heating materials. My income is insufficient, and providing for my family is a constant struggle. The high prices of heating materials and the difficulty in finding daily work make the situation even more daunting for me.

HBT continues its dedicated efforts to provide essential humanitarian aid for impoverished and orphaned children in Afghanistan. In the past year, HBT successfully distributed warm jackets and shoes to 2000 individuals in Kabul and Paktika provinces. This aid included support for 1000 earthquake-affected individuals in the Gyan district of Paktika province, as well as 1000 orphaned and needy children in Kabul City.

Our commitment to delivering vital humanitarian assistance to those in need remains steadfast. However, to ensure the success of our upcoming winter relief efforts for Afghan children, we rely on your support and contributions. Your involvement can make a significant difference in providing relief and warmth to those facing the challenges of the cold season.

Children in Afghanistan are currently in crisis, and your support with HBT can make a significant impact. As winter approaches, many street-working children are in desperate need of winter assistance, including warm clothing and proper shelter. Join hands with HBT to bring hope into their lives and provide the essential winter assistance they urgently require.